FG engages military to tackle infrastructure vandalism

In a significant move towards addressing the persistent issue of vandalism of electricity installations, the federal government has taken steps to enforce stricter penalties, including the death sentence for those found guilty. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has engaged the military to safeguard these critical national assets.

During a meeting with members of the Civil-Military Committee on Energy Security, Minister Adelabu emphasized that the government is treating the issue of vandalism with the utmost seriousness. He urged Nigerians to take ownership of these national assets, highlighting that continued vandalism would hinder the nation’s development and efforts to provide stable electricity.

Adelabu underscored the government’s commitment to improving the power sector, noting that President Bola Tinubu has signed legislation to deregulate the sector, aiming to eliminate the obstacles that have previously hampered its efficiency.

The minister acknowledged the severe impact of vandalism on the nation’s power supply, stating, “Daily, these vandals deprive us of providing stable and affordable electricity to all critical sectors of our economy. This cannot continue, and we are determined to put an end to it.” He praised the Civil-Military Committee for its efforts in protecting national assets, emphasizing the importance of power infrastructure to the country’s development.

Adelabu also pointed out the outdated infrastructure within the power sector, revealing that some transformers in use are as old as 64 years. He described this as a reflection of the neglect and mismanagement in the sector over the past 60 years, which the current administration is now working to correct.

The minister expressed President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the power sector and eradicating energy poverty in Nigeria. He emphasized that improving the power sector is a priority for the government, as it is fundamental to the success of all other sectors.

Additionally, Adelabu addressed challenges such as non-payment for electricity and power theft, which he described as detrimental to the government’s efforts to improve the sector. He urged Nigerians to cooperate with the government by paying their bills and avoiding illegal practices like bypassing meters.

The leader of the Civil-Military Committee on Energy Security, Mr. Adams Otako, highlighted the committee’s dedication to protecting the nation’s energy assets. He stressed that the energy sector is crucial to national security and that safeguarding it is a collective responsibility.

Otako also called for better communication from the ministry to ensure that the public accurately understands government policies and initiatives. He noted that the committee, formed in 2019, includes members from various security agencies and civil society groups, all committed to protecting the nation’s power infrastructure.